SLORC AND DKBA TROOPS ATTACK REFUGE

Subject: SLORC AND DKBA TROOPS ATTACK REFUGEE CAMPS
SLORC AND DKBA TROOPS ATTACK REFUGEE CAMPS
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News release
Date: 29 January, 1997
The three refugee camps located near Mae Sot, on the Thai-Burma border were attacked last
night by the combined troops of the SLORC and the Democratic Karen Buddhist Army
(DKBA), according to local sources.
The largest of the three camps, Mae La refugee camp, was attacked and nearly 400 houses
were set on fire by the DKBA and the SLORC troops.
Fighting at Mae La between the DKBA and the Thai Army stopped this afternoon. The
DKBA is a break away faction of the Karen National Union.
More than 8,000 refugees from the three camps have lost their homes, rice and other
belongings.
Sources said that 80% of houses in Huay Kaloat refugee camp were burnt down by the
DKBA and the number of casualties is still unknown. The camp has a population of about
6,660 according to the Karen Refugee Committee.
The same time, Huey Bong refugee camp was also attacked and burnt down by the DKBA
and SLORC troops. The population of the camp is believed to be about 3,800.
All Burma Students' Democratic Front